Workplace Harassment in Nursing: An Urgent Challenge in Healthcare

Workplace harassment in nursing is a widespread issue that significantly impacts healthcare systems. Nurses frequently face various forms of harassment, including psychological abuse, bullying, and mobbing, from colleagues, supervisors, or even patients. This bibliographic review examines the prevalence, causes, and consequences of workplace harassment in nursing, drawing on extensive research and empirical evidence. The review defines workplace harassment in nursing, highlighting key concepts such as psychological harassment, role conflicts, and the effects of workplace dynamics on nurses’ well-being. It explores how hierarchical structures in healthcare institutions create power imbalances that make newly graduated and lower-ranking nurses more vulnerable. Studies indicate that 10% to 30% of nurses experience workplace bullying, with many facing ongoing harassment. Contributing factors include high job demands, inadequate staffing, organizational culture, and weak institutional policies. The psychological effects are severe, leading to increased stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and lower job satisfaction, ultimately affecting patient care. This review also explores individual and organizational risk factors. Personality traits like neuroticism and low self-esteem increase vulnerability, while role conflicts and unclear job responsibilities contribute to stress. Ineffective leadership, lack of support, and tolerance for abusive behaviors further exacerbate the issue. To address workplace harassment, various interventions have been proposed, including leadership training, conflict resolution programs, psychological support, and zero-tolerance policies. Strategies such as emotional self-regulation training, peer support groups, and improved work conditions show promise in reducing workplace mistreatment. This review underscores the need for systemic changes in healthcare institutions to create a safer and more supportive work environment. Protecting nurses from harassment not only improves their well-being but also enhances healthcare quality.